Do you remember the “Willow” show on Disney+? You might not, as it was released and then removed from the service within six months of its release. The show was meant to be a sequel to the 1988 film “Willow,” starring Warwick Davis, but now it’s just gone.
It seems that Disney may have pulled it over the cost of the series and the lack of viewership.
The show cost $156.8 million, which is about $19.6 million per episode! $53 million was spent on the London office of Industrial Light and Magic (Ilm).
Early reports estimated the total to be closer to $100 – $105 million. That is true, but only if you don’t count the money spent at Ilm.
In a new Forbes report, Caroline Reid describes how the show was partially shot in the UK to get some financial credit from their government. However, the film was filed under a shell company called Barking Lion Productions.
It seems that Disney may have pulled it over the cost of the series and the lack of viewership.
The show cost $156.8 million, which is about $19.6 million per episode! $53 million was spent on the London office of Industrial Light and Magic (Ilm).
Early reports estimated the total to be closer to $100 – $105 million. That is true, but only if you don’t count the money spent at Ilm.
In a new Forbes report, Caroline Reid describes how the show was partially shot in the UK to get some financial credit from their government. However, the film was filed under a shell company called Barking Lion Productions.
- 5/14/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
This post contains minor spoilers for "Solo: A Star Wars Story."
Every "Star Wars" fan knows about Han Solo's not-so-humble boast about the Millenium Falcon, a ship that purportedly "made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs." Although this sounds cool, it is a rather vague descriptor that is challenging to visualize. After all, a parsec is a unit of distance, not time, where one parsec is roughly equivalent to 3.26 light years. Even without diving into the scientific nuances of the concept, it is understandable why Solo's claims became a topic for debate and discussion, giving rise to fascinating theories over the years. However, "Solo: A Star Wars Story" effectively answers all our questions about the Kessen Run discourse by approaching Han's boast in ways that are interesting and grounded in practicality.
For quick context, Han (Alden Ehrenreich) and co. need to evade an Imperial blockade in "Solo" and...
Every "Star Wars" fan knows about Han Solo's not-so-humble boast about the Millenium Falcon, a ship that purportedly "made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs." Although this sounds cool, it is a rather vague descriptor that is challenging to visualize. After all, a parsec is a unit of distance, not time, where one parsec is roughly equivalent to 3.26 light years. Even without diving into the scientific nuances of the concept, it is understandable why Solo's claims became a topic for debate and discussion, giving rise to fascinating theories over the years. However, "Solo: A Star Wars Story" effectively answers all our questions about the Kessen Run discourse by approaching Han's boast in ways that are interesting and grounded in practicality.
For quick context, Han (Alden Ehrenreich) and co. need to evade an Imperial blockade in "Solo" and...
- 4/8/2024
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
TV show cancellations are nothing new. Beloved shows have been canceled before fans were ready for them to end for decades. But in a time where streaming services have begun to fully erase their own content in addition to canceling shows before they have a chance to find their footing, the future of the shows we love and our ability to enjoy them feels even more out of our hands than it did before. Cancellation doesn’t just mean that our favorite series is coming to an end, now it means that it could be erased entirely from existence.
Even with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) failing to meet the Writers Guild of America’s (WGA) reasonable terms and prolonging the strike in addition to all of the network and streamer mergers, there have been plenty of series renewals thus far. Unfortunately, there are many that...
Even with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) failing to meet the Writers Guild of America’s (WGA) reasonable terms and prolonging the strike in addition to all of the network and streamer mergers, there have been plenty of series renewals thus far. Unfortunately, there are many that...
- 11/2/2023
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
What is a collectible? What separates something from just the average piece of pop culture memorabilia? Gene Cook (eBay), Ming Chen (Comic Book Men), and Brian Volk-Weiss (CEO – Nacelle), joined Aaron Sagers in the Den of Geek studio at New York Comic Con to dive into the well of collecting!
Lego is jumping on the spooky season bandwagon with specialized posters themed around classic horror stories.
“A collection of six horror-themed posters are available from the Insiders Rewards Centre, each costing 1750 points. Each poster is limited to 5400 copies, measures 30cm by 40cm and features glow-in-the-dark ink.”
Read more at Brickset
Apple announced a new Apple Pencil, and it’s shockingly one of their most affordable products yet.
“Apple’s Newsroom announced the new Apple Pencil on Tuesday. It’s more affordable than its predecessors and offers some new features. According to Apple, it offers the same ‘pixel-perfect accuracy, low latency,...
Lego is jumping on the spooky season bandwagon with specialized posters themed around classic horror stories.
“A collection of six horror-themed posters are available from the Insiders Rewards Centre, each costing 1750 points. Each poster is limited to 5400 copies, measures 30cm by 40cm and features glow-in-the-dark ink.”
Read more at Brickset
Apple announced a new Apple Pencil, and it’s shockingly one of their most affordable products yet.
“Apple’s Newsroom announced the new Apple Pencil on Tuesday. It’s more affordable than its predecessors and offers some new features. According to Apple, it offers the same ‘pixel-perfect accuracy, low latency,...
- 10/17/2023
- by Lee Parham
- Den of Geek
Warwick Davis is the face of the “Willow” franchise, which kicked off in 1988 with Ron Howard’s fantasy film and continued with the short-lived Disney+ sequel series in 2022. Disney canceled the television series after only one eight-episode season, and then it pulled the show off of Disney+ entirely for cost-cutting measures. Davis is now calling out Disney on X (formerly Twitter), asking the studio in a recent post to answer the many fans wondering why they can no longer watch the show via streaming.
“I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of ‘Willow,’ who are the reason the Disney+ series was made,” Davis posted. “Please tell me [Walt Disney Company], what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing.”
“Willow” was one of nearly 50 titles that Disney+ pulled from its streaming library in May. Other...
“I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of ‘Willow,’ who are the reason the Disney+ series was made,” Davis posted. “Please tell me [Walt Disney Company], what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing.”
“Willow” was one of nearly 50 titles that Disney+ pulled from its streaming library in May. Other...
- 10/16/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Willow actor and silver screen legend Warwick Davis is not holding back about Disney’s removal of the Willow series. Davis recently took to social media to break his silence about the House of Mouse pulling its Willow series from the streaming platform as part of a broader cost-cutting initiative under Disney CEO Bob Iger.
“I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus series was made,” Davis wrote on X (formally known as Twitter). “Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing”
I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus Series was made. Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more?...
“I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus series was made,” Davis wrote on X (formally known as Twitter). “Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing”
I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus Series was made. Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more?...
- 10/16/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Willow star Warwick Davis is not happy about the removal of the Disney+ fantasy-adventure series from the streaming platform, calling it “#embarrassing”.
“I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus series was made,” Davis wrote on X (fka Twitter). “Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing”
The streamer announced in March that there would be no second season of the original series, based on the 1988 fantasy film directed by Ron Howard. However, series creator Jon Kasdan later categorized Willow‘s status as more of a pause than cancellation, noting that Season 2 has been written and he is hopeful that it will eventually be made, but not for at least the next 12 months, leading to a decision to release the cast.
Disney removed...
“I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus series was made,” Davis wrote on X (fka Twitter). “Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing”
The streamer announced in March that there would be no second season of the original series, based on the 1988 fantasy film directed by Ron Howard. However, series creator Jon Kasdan later categorized Willow‘s status as more of a pause than cancellation, noting that Season 2 has been written and he is hopeful that it will eventually be made, but not for at least the next 12 months, leading to a decision to release the cast.
Disney removed...
- 10/16/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Willow star Warwick Davis is still mourning the cancellation and removal of his 2022 fantasy/adventure series from the Disney+ platform.
In a recent post on X (fka Twitter), Davis wrote: “I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus series was made. Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing”
More from TVLineLive-Action Gargoyles Series in Development at Disney+ (Report)Goosebumps Premiere Recap: Stay Out of the Basement! - A Group of Teens Awakens...
In a recent post on X (fka Twitter), Davis wrote: “I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus series was made. Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing”
More from TVLineLive-Action Gargoyles Series in Development at Disney+ (Report)Goosebumps Premiere Recap: Stay Out of the Basement! - A Group of Teens Awakens...
- 10/16/2023
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
Warwick Davis has a question for Disney, and they probably aren’t going to like it.
On Saturday, the “Willow” star tweeted, “I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus Series was made. Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series anymore? #embarrassing.”
Disney removed the original series from its streaming service Disney+ in May, only six months after the show began airing. The decision left the sequel to the 1988 movie effectively homeless, and a legion of subscribers disappointed.
I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus Series was made. Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing pic.
On Saturday, the “Willow” star tweeted, “I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus Series was made. Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series anymore? #embarrassing.”
Disney removed the original series from its streaming service Disney+ in May, only six months after the show began airing. The decision left the sequel to the 1988 movie effectively homeless, and a legion of subscribers disappointed.
I meet lovely people on a daily basis who are fans of #Willow, who are the reason the @DisneyPlus Series was made. Please tell me @WaltDisneyCo, what do I say to these subscribers when they ask why they can’t watch the series any more? #embarrassing pic.
- 10/14/2023
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
When Disney bought Lucasfilm from George Lucas, they didn’t just acquire Star Wars and Indiana Jones, but also Willow, the beloved 1988 fantasy movie starring Warwick Davis. There had been talk of a sequel for years, but the franchise finally returned with an eight-episode series which launched on Disney+ last year. However, Disney cancelled Willow and then removed the series from the streaming service after just six months.
According to a report by Forbes, Disney spent $105.9 million on making Willow, which is a lot of money to shell out for something that currently can’t be seen legally. However, as the series was produced in the United Kingdom, it benefited from several reimbursements. The show received a $20.4 million reimbursement for filming in the UK and received an additional reimbursement of $5.1 million for filming in Wales specifically, bringing the net spending on Willow down to $80.4 million.
Related Willow showrunner Jon Kasdan...
According to a report by Forbes, Disney spent $105.9 million on making Willow, which is a lot of money to shell out for something that currently can’t be seen legally. However, as the series was produced in the United Kingdom, it benefited from several reimbursements. The show received a $20.4 million reimbursement for filming in the UK and received an additional reimbursement of $5.1 million for filming in Wales specifically, bringing the net spending on Willow down to $80.4 million.
Related Willow showrunner Jon Kasdan...
- 8/16/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
It was reported earlier this month that Disney would start removing content from their streaming services, and the list of shows getting the axe was revealed last week. Among the dozens of TV shows and specials set to be removed from Disney+ was Willow, the sequel series to the beloved 1988 fantasy movie starring Warwick Davis.
Related Willow, Big Shot, Y: The Last Man & many more shows will be removed from Disney+
Willow showrunner Jon Kasdan reacted to the news that the show would be removed from Disney+, and surprisingly, he’s… sort of okay with it.
“I’ve been quiet on this news that Willow is leaving Disney+ ’cause… I’m kinda into it,” Kasdan wrote on Twitter. “I grew up at a time when Disney movies were periodically re-released and not available to own, and it made them… more special.” Kasdan continued, “I worry about many things… but None...
Related Willow, Big Shot, Y: The Last Man & many more shows will be removed from Disney+
Willow showrunner Jon Kasdan reacted to the news that the show would be removed from Disney+, and surprisingly, he’s… sort of okay with it.
“I’ve been quiet on this news that Willow is leaving Disney+ ’cause… I’m kinda into it,” Kasdan wrote on Twitter. “I grew up at a time when Disney movies were periodically re-released and not available to own, and it made them… more special.” Kasdan continued, “I worry about many things… but None...
- 5/23/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
“Willow” creator Jon Kasdan has broken his silence about the show’s removal from Disney+.
“I’ve been quiet on this news that #Willow is leaving @DisneyPlus ’cause… I’m kinda into it,” Kasdan wrote on Twitter. “I grew up at a time when @Disney movies were periodically re-released and not available to own, and it made them… more special.”
The show will be available to stream until May 26 on the service. Several other titles such as “Big Shot” on Disney+ and Hulu’s “Dollface,” “Y: The Last Man” will also leave their respective streamers that day.
I've been quiet on this news that #Willow is leaving @DisneyPlus 'cause… I'm kinda into it. I grew up at a time when @Disney movies were periodically re-released and not available to own, and it made them… more special. I worry about many things…
— Jon Kasdan (@JonKasdan) May 22, 2023
“I worry about many things...
“I’ve been quiet on this news that #Willow is leaving @DisneyPlus ’cause… I’m kinda into it,” Kasdan wrote on Twitter. “I grew up at a time when @Disney movies were periodically re-released and not available to own, and it made them… more special.”
The show will be available to stream until May 26 on the service. Several other titles such as “Big Shot” on Disney+ and Hulu’s “Dollface,” “Y: The Last Man” will also leave their respective streamers that day.
I've been quiet on this news that #Willow is leaving @DisneyPlus 'cause… I'm kinda into it. I grew up at a time when @Disney movies were periodically re-released and not available to own, and it made them… more special. I worry about many things…
— Jon Kasdan (@JonKasdan) May 22, 2023
“I worry about many things...
- 5/22/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Well, this is just depressing. It was reported last week that Disney would start removing content from their streaming services, and the first casualties have been revealed. The dozens of TV shows and specials from Disney+ and Hulu that will be removed on May 26th include Willow, Big Shot, Y: The Last Man, and many more. Considering that Willow premiered on Disney+ less than a year ago… it hurts.
Related Willow: Jon Kasdan wouldn’t say the series has been cancelled, it’s just on hiatus
Here is a list of a few of the titles that are being removed:
The Mysterious Benedict Society [Disney+] Big Shot [Disney+] Turner & Hooch [Disney+] Willow [Disney+] The Making Of Willow [Disney+] Just Beyond [Disney+] The World According To Jeff Goldblum [Disney+] Pistol [Hulu] Dollface [Hulu] The Quest [Hulu] The Hot Zone [Hulu] Y: The Last Man [Hulu] Maggie [Hulu] Little Demon [Hulu] The Premise [Hulu] Love In The Time Of Corona [Hulu] Everything’s Trash [Hulu] Best In Snow...
Related Willow: Jon Kasdan wouldn’t say the series has been cancelled, it’s just on hiatus
Here is a list of a few of the titles that are being removed:
The Mysterious Benedict Society [Disney+] Big Shot [Disney+] Turner & Hooch [Disney+] Willow [Disney+] The Making Of Willow [Disney+] Just Beyond [Disney+] The World According To Jeff Goldblum [Disney+] Pistol [Hulu] Dollface [Hulu] The Quest [Hulu] The Hot Zone [Hulu] Y: The Last Man [Hulu] Maggie [Hulu] Little Demon [Hulu] The Premise [Hulu] Love In The Time Of Corona [Hulu] Everything’s Trash [Hulu] Best In Snow...
- 5/18/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
“Willow” fans got some disappointing news this week when it was widely reported that the Disney+ series (a sequel to Ron Howard and George Lucas’ 1988 film of the same name), had been cancelled after one season.
The news hardly seemed surprising, given that every streaming service is dealing with budget cuts and Disney is in the midst of a leadership overhaul. But as it turns out, the initial reporting may not have told the whole story.
Jon Kasdan, who created the series and served as showrunner for Season 1, released a statement on his personal Twitter account to contextualize the reports that the show was cancelled. Kasdan explained that the uncertain landscape in the streaming industry will significantly delay production on the show, but it has not been formally axed.
“A decision was made last week to release our main cast for other series opportunities that may arise for them in the coming year,...
The news hardly seemed surprising, given that every streaming service is dealing with budget cuts and Disney is in the midst of a leadership overhaul. But as it turns out, the initial reporting may not have told the whole story.
Jon Kasdan, who created the series and served as showrunner for Season 1, released a statement on his personal Twitter account to contextualize the reports that the show was cancelled. Kasdan explained that the uncertain landscape in the streaming industry will significantly delay production on the show, but it has not been formally axed.
“A decision was made last week to release our main cast for other series opportunities that may arise for them in the coming year,...
- 3/18/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell are serving up a sequel to the iconic ‘90s feature film “Good Burger.”
“Good Burger 2,” which has been greenlit by Nickelodeon Studios and Paramount+, will follow Dexter Reed (Keenan Thompson) and original cashier, Ed (Kel Mitchell), as they reunite in the present day at the fast-food restaurant.
“Dexter Reed is down on his luck after another one of his inventions fails,” the official description states. “Ed welcomes Dex back to Good Burger with open arms and gives him his old job back. With a new crew working at Good Burger, Dex devises a plan to get back on his feet but unfortunately puts the fate of Good Burger at risk once again.”
Also Read:
‘Bel-Air’ Renewed for Season 3 at Peacock
The film is written by executive producers Kevin Kopelow and Heath Seifert and directed by Phil Traill. James III is also a writer on the film.
“Good Burger 2,” which has been greenlit by Nickelodeon Studios and Paramount+, will follow Dexter Reed (Keenan Thompson) and original cashier, Ed (Kel Mitchell), as they reunite in the present day at the fast-food restaurant.
“Dexter Reed is down on his luck after another one of his inventions fails,” the official description states. “Ed welcomes Dex back to Good Burger with open arms and gives him his old job back. With a new crew working at Good Burger, Dex devises a plan to get back on his feet but unfortunately puts the fate of Good Burger at risk once again.”
Also Read:
‘Bel-Air’ Renewed for Season 3 at Peacock
The film is written by executive producers Kevin Kopelow and Heath Seifert and directed by Phil Traill. James III is also a writer on the film.
- 3/18/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
It was reported earlier this week that Disney+ had cancelled the Willow series after its first season, but that’s not how showrunner Jon Kasdan would have phrased it.
In a three-part statement on Twitter, Jon Kasdan set the record straight on the supposed cancellation of Willow. “I feel fairly confident that, if asked, neither I, nor the folks at Lucasfilm, would or have actually characterized it quite that way,” Kasdan said. “The truth is less splashy, but here it is: A decision was made last week to released our main cast for other series opportunities that may arise for them in the coming year. With all the TV and movies in production around the world, it feels unfair to limit an actor’s availability without a clear sense of when you’re going to need them again.“
Kasdan continued, “If you’re asking what this means for you as a viewer,...
In a three-part statement on Twitter, Jon Kasdan set the record straight on the supposed cancellation of Willow. “I feel fairly confident that, if asked, neither I, nor the folks at Lucasfilm, would or have actually characterized it quite that way,” Kasdan said. “The truth is less splashy, but here it is: A decision was made last week to released our main cast for other series opportunities that may arise for them in the coming year. With all the TV and movies in production around the world, it feels unfair to limit an actor’s availability without a clear sense of when you’re going to need them again.“
Kasdan continued, “If you’re asking what this means for you as a viewer,...
- 3/17/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Willow creator Jon Kasdan remains hopeful that we will see a second season of the fantasy series, following news that it is ending, at least for now. Kasdan took to social media Thursday to reassure fans that a Season 2 has been written and he has every hope that it will eventually air, but not for at least the next 12 months.
“A decision was made last week to release our main cast for other series opportunities that may arise for them in the coming year,” he wrote, taking issue with Deadline’s and other online reports of the series ending. He added that he feels “fairly confident that, if asked, neither I, nor the folks at Lucasfilm, would or have actually characterized it” as a final cancellation.
As Deadline noted, while the series won’t continue in its current form as the cast has been released, Willow remains an important IP in the Lucasfilm library,...
“A decision was made last week to release our main cast for other series opportunities that may arise for them in the coming year,” he wrote, taking issue with Deadline’s and other online reports of the series ending. He added that he feels “fairly confident that, if asked, neither I, nor the folks at Lucasfilm, would or have actually characterized it” as a final cancellation.
As Deadline noted, while the series won’t continue in its current form as the cast has been released, Willow remains an important IP in the Lucasfilm library,...
- 3/17/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
“Willow” creator Jon Kasdan has addressed reports from earlier this week that the fantasy series has been canceled after one season.
In a statement posted to Twitter Friday morning, Kasdan, in an attempt to clarify the “juicy” and “splashy” headlines he saw online, that Lucasfilm and the production team made a decision last week to “release our main cast for other series opportunities that may arise for them in the coming year.” He added that he feels “fairly confident that, if asked, neither I, nor the folks at Lucasfilm, would or have actually characterized” their predicament as a full-on, final cancellation.
pic.twitter.com/Di0vEGLyTD
— Jon Kasdan (@JonKasdan) March 17, 2023
“With all the TV and movies in production around the world, it feels unfair to limit an actor’s availability without a clear sense of when you’re going to need them again,” he explained. “It’s further trivialized by...
In a statement posted to Twitter Friday morning, Kasdan, in an attempt to clarify the “juicy” and “splashy” headlines he saw online, that Lucasfilm and the production team made a decision last week to “release our main cast for other series opportunities that may arise for them in the coming year.” He added that he feels “fairly confident that, if asked, neither I, nor the folks at Lucasfilm, would or have actually characterized” their predicament as a full-on, final cancellation.
pic.twitter.com/Di0vEGLyTD
— Jon Kasdan (@JonKasdan) March 17, 2023
“With all the TV and movies in production around the world, it feels unfair to limit an actor’s availability without a clear sense of when you’re going to need them again,” he explained. “It’s further trivialized by...
- 3/17/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Willow creator Jon Kasdan has taken issue with the framing of the TV sequel series’ fate as “cancelled,” and instead feels confident the fantasy saga will continue… someday.
Addressing news reports that the Disney+ series was “cancelled” after one season, Kasdan countered in a series of tweets, “I feel fairly confident that, if asked, neither I, nor the folks at Lucasfilm, would or have characterized it quite that way.” Instead, he says, “The truth is less splashy” — that last week the main cast was released from their options, so that they might pursue other work in the coming year.
More...
Addressing news reports that the Disney+ series was “cancelled” after one season, Kasdan countered in a series of tweets, “I feel fairly confident that, if asked, neither I, nor the folks at Lucasfilm, would or have characterized it quite that way.” Instead, he says, “The truth is less splashy” — that last week the main cast was released from their options, so that they might pursue other work in the coming year.
More...
- 3/17/2023
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
The magical fantasy series “Willow” couldn’t conjure up a second season. Deadline reports that Disney+ has canceled the continuation of the 1988 film after a single season.
“Willow” premiered in November 2022. While it was well-reviewed, it received little fanfare and got a surprisingly minor marketing push for a special effects-heavy fantasy show based on a popular franchise. Its low-key release was perhaps a sign of what was to come.
The series was produced by Lucasfilm and served as a sequel to Ron Howard’s beloved film, which starred Warwick Davis as the titular sorcerer and Val Kilmer as a mercenary named Madmartigan who joins Davis on his quest to protect a baby princess named Elora Danan from an evil queen. Davis returned for the series, in which Willow aids a group of young people on their quest to rescue a kidnapped prince. The series also starred Ellie Bamber as adult Elora Danan,...
“Willow” premiered in November 2022. While it was well-reviewed, it received little fanfare and got a surprisingly minor marketing push for a special effects-heavy fantasy show based on a popular franchise. Its low-key release was perhaps a sign of what was to come.
The series was produced by Lucasfilm and served as a sequel to Ron Howard’s beloved film, which starred Warwick Davis as the titular sorcerer and Val Kilmer as a mercenary named Madmartigan who joins Davis on his quest to protect a baby princess named Elora Danan from an evil queen. Davis returned for the series, in which Willow aids a group of young people on their quest to rescue a kidnapped prince. The series also starred Ellie Bamber as adult Elora Danan,...
- 3/15/2023
- by Liam Mathews
- Gold Derby
Disney+ is closing the book on Willow.
Deadline reported Wednesday that the streaming service has canceled the live-action sequel series based on the 1988 movie.
The cancellation comes two months after the eight-episode Willow Season 1 wrapped up.
Disney+ rarely releases viewership statistics for any of its shows; when it does, the details are vague.
It turns out, streaming services like to keep the numbers under lock and key.
Willow featured a diverse international cast, with Jonathan Kasdan, Ron Howard, Wendy Mericle, Kathleen Kennedy, and Michelle Rejwan serving as executive producers.
The story began with an aspiring magician from a Nelwyn village and an infant girl destined to unite the realms, who together helped destroy an evil queen and banish the forces of darkness.
"Now, in a magical world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls, and other mystical creatures flourish, the adventure continues, as an unlikely group of heroes set off on a dangerous...
Deadline reported Wednesday that the streaming service has canceled the live-action sequel series based on the 1988 movie.
The cancellation comes two months after the eight-episode Willow Season 1 wrapped up.
Disney+ rarely releases viewership statistics for any of its shows; when it does, the details are vague.
It turns out, streaming services like to keep the numbers under lock and key.
Willow featured a diverse international cast, with Jonathan Kasdan, Ron Howard, Wendy Mericle, Kathleen Kennedy, and Michelle Rejwan serving as executive producers.
The story began with an aspiring magician from a Nelwyn village and an infant girl destined to unite the realms, who together helped destroy an evil queen and banish the forces of darkness.
"Now, in a magical world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls, and other mystical creatures flourish, the adventure continues, as an unlikely group of heroes set off on a dangerous...
- 3/15/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Legacy sequels are big business right now, and the "Willow" Disney+ series seemed poised to potentially be a successful part of that trend. Unfortunately, the series has been canceled by the House of Mouse after only one season, according to Deadline. The show's eight-episode first season ended just about two months ago, but the streaming service has decided not to move forward with any more installments.
Based on the 1988 film of the same name from director Ron Howard, "Willow" followed up on the story of a sorcerer named Willow (Warwick Davis), who found himself charged with the task of taking down an evil tyrant. The series takes place many years after the events of the film and follows several new characters, along with some old familiar faces. However, it seems that there just wasn't enough there to grab audiences' attention.
The "Willow" series received generally favorable reviews from critics (you can read ours here!
Based on the 1988 film of the same name from director Ron Howard, "Willow" followed up on the story of a sorcerer named Willow (Warwick Davis), who found himself charged with the task of taking down an evil tyrant. The series takes place many years after the events of the film and follows several new characters, along with some old familiar faces. However, it seems that there just wasn't enough there to grab audiences' attention.
The "Willow" series received generally favorable reviews from critics (you can read ours here!
- 3/15/2023
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
“Willow,” the fantasy series that continued the story of Ron Howard’s beloved 1988 movie, won’t return for a second season Disney+, TheWrap confirmed on Wednesday.
The eight-episode first season, which brought back original cast member Warwick Davis as the title character, premiered on Nov. 30, 2022. It costarred Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Amer Chadha-Patel and Tony Revolori.
After the news broke, fans lamented that another show with a queer storyline was ending. The series featured a romance between Princess Kit Tanthalos (Cruz) and her knight errant, Jade Claymore (Kellyman).
Also Read:
Every Renewed and Canceled TV Show in 2023
Showrunner Jonathan Kasdan told EW in December. “It was not a decision that was ever made because we thought we needed queer representation in the show or that that was something we were intent on doing. What was clear was that we wanted to put at the center of this story a daughter for Madmartigan,...
The eight-episode first season, which brought back original cast member Warwick Davis as the title character, premiered on Nov. 30, 2022. It costarred Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Amer Chadha-Patel and Tony Revolori.
After the news broke, fans lamented that another show with a queer storyline was ending. The series featured a romance between Princess Kit Tanthalos (Cruz) and her knight errant, Jade Claymore (Kellyman).
Also Read:
Every Renewed and Canceled TV Show in 2023
Showrunner Jonathan Kasdan told EW in December. “It was not a decision that was ever made because we thought we needed queer representation in the show or that that was something we were intent on doing. What was clear was that we wanted to put at the center of this story a daughter for Madmartigan,...
- 3/15/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
It appears “Willow’s” magic has already run out again. The Disney+ fantasy series, a sequel to the 1988 Ron Howard film of the same name, will not return for a second season, IndieWire has confirmed.
The news comes two months after the show, which premiered on November 30, concluded its eight-episode run on Disney+ in January. Like the film, “Willow” was produced by Lucasfilm, which has been one of the main drivers of content for Disney’s core streaming service through shows based on the “Star Wars” franchise; others include “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Andor,” and the upcoming “Ahsoka,” “Skeleton Crew,” and “The Acolyte.”
Disney+ ended 2022 with 102.9 subscribers; another 61.3 million are in the ecosystem via Disney+ Hotstar.
The original ’80s film, which was directed by Ron Howard and executive produced by “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, told the story of aspiring sorcerer Willow (Warwick Davis), as...
The news comes two months after the show, which premiered on November 30, concluded its eight-episode run on Disney+ in January. Like the film, “Willow” was produced by Lucasfilm, which has been one of the main drivers of content for Disney’s core streaming service through shows based on the “Star Wars” franchise; others include “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Andor,” and the upcoming “Ahsoka,” “Skeleton Crew,” and “The Acolyte.”
Disney+ ended 2022 with 102.9 subscribers; another 61.3 million are in the ecosystem via Disney+ Hotstar.
The original ’80s film, which was directed by Ron Howard and executive produced by “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, told the story of aspiring sorcerer Willow (Warwick Davis), as...
- 3/15/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
It looks like the much-hyped Willow series on Disney Plus will not be getting a second season. The news came down today via Deadline that the eight-episode series will not be returning, which maybe shouldn’t count as a massive surprise given the recent focus from Lucasfilm on Star Wars shows. Willow was always a more niche title, and while critics mostly liked the show (our own critic Alex Maidy adored it), the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes was a mediocre 66%. Indeed, the show never really captured the zeitgeist in the way a series like The Mandalorian did, although fans hoped perhaps it would build up some cult status over time.
Of course, just because Willow won’t be returning for a second season doesn’t mean the saga is over, as it’s possible Disney could go back to the drawing board and revisit the property in some way.
Of course, just because Willow won’t be returning for a second season doesn’t mean the saga is over, as it’s possible Disney could go back to the drawing board and revisit the property in some way.
- 3/15/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
The journey of Willow won’t continue on Disney+.
The streamer has canceled the Lucasfilm series, a sequel to the 1988 movie of the same title, after a single season. The news comes two months after the eight-episode season concluded its run.
Disney+ doesn’t provide viewing data for its programming, but Willow didn’t break into the Nielsen top 10 rankings of streaming titles during its run. The series earned mostly positive reviews from critics.
The cancellation comes during a transition period for both Lucasfilm, which is reconsidering the output of its signature Star Wars franchise, and Disney’s streaming operations. Like other companies, Disney is pulling back some on the lavish spending on streaming content; Willow’s cancellation at Disney+ follows the ends of Big Shot and The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers in February.
Warwick Davis reprises his title role from the Ron Howard-directed film in the series. The...
The streamer has canceled the Lucasfilm series, a sequel to the 1988 movie of the same title, after a single season. The news comes two months after the eight-episode season concluded its run.
Disney+ doesn’t provide viewing data for its programming, but Willow didn’t break into the Nielsen top 10 rankings of streaming titles during its run. The series earned mostly positive reviews from critics.
The cancellation comes during a transition period for both Lucasfilm, which is reconsidering the output of its signature Star Wars franchise, and Disney’s streaming operations. Like other companies, Disney is pulling back some on the lavish spending on streaming content; Willow’s cancellation at Disney+ follows the ends of Big Shot and The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers in February.
Warwick Davis reprises his title role from the Ron Howard-directed film in the series. The...
- 3/15/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The “Willow” TV series is done after just one season at Disney+, Variety has confirmed.
The news comes around two months after the high fantasy series aired its eighth and final episode, with the show having debuted in November 2022 and airing until January 2023.
“Willow” continued the story of the film of the same name, with Warwick Davis returning for the series in the title role of Willow Ufgood. The show was originally reported as being in the works at Disney+ back in 2019 and ordered to series in late 2020.
Along with Davis, the cast of the show included Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Ellie Bamber, Tony Revolori, Amar Chadha-Patel, Dempsey Bryk, and Joanne Whalley. The official logline for the series states “In a magical world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls, and other mystical creatures flourish, the adventure continues, as an unlikely group of heroes set off on a dangerous quest to places far beyond their home,...
The news comes around two months after the high fantasy series aired its eighth and final episode, with the show having debuted in November 2022 and airing until January 2023.
“Willow” continued the story of the film of the same name, with Warwick Davis returning for the series in the title role of Willow Ufgood. The show was originally reported as being in the works at Disney+ back in 2019 and ordered to series in late 2020.
Along with Davis, the cast of the show included Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, Ellie Bamber, Tony Revolori, Amar Chadha-Patel, Dempsey Bryk, and Joanne Whalley. The official logline for the series states “In a magical world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls, and other mystical creatures flourish, the adventure continues, as an unlikely group of heroes set off on a dangerous quest to places far beyond their home,...
- 3/15/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
A new adventure began last year on Disney+ with the premiere of “Willow” in November, a TV series adaptation/expansion of Ron Howard‘s 1988 fantasy adventure film. Unfortunately, we’ve learned this afternoon that Disney+ has already cancelled “Willow.” In all likelihood, not enough people tuned into Season 1 to justify the spend for another season.
Deadline reports, “Willow, which picked up years after the events of the film, did not have the zeitgeist cultural impact of the original but was well received by critics, getting a 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. While the series won’t continue, Willow remains an important IP in the Lucasfilm library so it may be revisited in the future.”
Jonathan Kasdan and Wendy Mericle were the showrunners for “Willow.”
“The series introduced all-new characters to the enchanted realm of fairy queens and two-headed Eborsisk monsters, and welcomed back its hero, Willow Ufgood, played once again by Warwick Davis.
Deadline reports, “Willow, which picked up years after the events of the film, did not have the zeitgeist cultural impact of the original but was well received by critics, getting a 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. While the series won’t continue, Willow remains an important IP in the Lucasfilm library so it may be revisited in the future.”
Jonathan Kasdan and Wendy Mericle were the showrunners for “Willow.”
“The series introduced all-new characters to the enchanted realm of fairy queens and two-headed Eborsisk monsters, and welcomed back its hero, Willow Ufgood, played once again by Warwick Davis.
- 3/15/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Exclusive: There will be no second season of Willow, Disney+’s live-action original series based on the 1988 fantasy film directed by Ron Howard. The news comes two months after the eight-episode first season of the show, which served as a sequel to the classic movie, ended its run on the streaming platform.
Related Story TV Series Fading To Black In 2023 & Beyond: Photo Gallery Of Canceled Shows Related Story Disney Being "Very Careful" With 'Star Wars' Movie Development, CEO Bob Iger Says; Marvel Brand Not "Inherently Off," But "Do You Need A Third Or Fourth" Sequel For Every Character? Related Story Bono And The Edge Aim Jay Leno Joke At David Letterman As Trio Unveil New Documentary About Their Musical Adventures In Dublin
Willow, which picked up years after the events of the film, did not have the zeitgeist cultural impact of the original but was well received by critics, getting a 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Related Story TV Series Fading To Black In 2023 & Beyond: Photo Gallery Of Canceled Shows Related Story Disney Being "Very Careful" With 'Star Wars' Movie Development, CEO Bob Iger Says; Marvel Brand Not "Inherently Off," But "Do You Need A Third Or Fourth" Sequel For Every Character? Related Story Bono And The Edge Aim Jay Leno Joke At David Letterman As Trio Unveil New Documentary About Their Musical Adventures In Dublin
Willow, which picked up years after the events of the film, did not have the zeitgeist cultural impact of the original but was well received by critics, getting a 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- 3/15/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The Star Wars franchise boasts a whole lot of rogues, from Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), but none can hold a candle to Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) in the charm department. From the first moment we meet him in "Star Wars: Episode V -- The Empire Strikes Back," the man oozes charisma from every pore. Part of it is Williams' natural charisma (which was carried on beautifully with Donald Glover's portrayal in "Solo: A Star Wars Story"). Part of it is the delivery of lines like, "Everything you've heard about me is true." A very big part of it is that cape he always has on. Williams swirls that thing around and wears it like he was born in it.
For a quick refresher -- not that anyone could forget Lando -- this gambler and con man-turned General of the Rebellion met Han Solo...
For a quick refresher -- not that anyone could forget Lando -- this gambler and con man-turned General of the Rebellion met Han Solo...
- 3/12/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
For many, pairing up fictional characters is more than just frivolous fun. Shipping isn't just a pastime; it's a playground filled with possibilities, and it's serious business. You get a surge of serotonin when you revel in your romantic headcanons — as long as you're not toxic when you preach your personal shipping gospels to creators and fellow fans.
Eros, or romantic love, is a powerful Force in the galaxy far, far away. "Star Wars" fans have witnessed Han Solo and Leia Organa's will-they-or-won't-they tango, Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala's star-crossed love, and a rather controversial relationship between Rey and Kylo Ren, which culminated in a kiss. Now, it's time to indulge in some imaginary (or maybe not-so-imagined) romances. If you don't see your chosen "Otp" (one true pairing) here, the glorious thing about shipping is that you can conjure your own ships elsewhere, be it your imagination, fanart, or fanfic.
Eros, or romantic love, is a powerful Force in the galaxy far, far away. "Star Wars" fans have witnessed Han Solo and Leia Organa's will-they-or-won't-they tango, Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala's star-crossed love, and a rather controversial relationship between Rey and Kylo Ren, which culminated in a kiss. Now, it's time to indulge in some imaginary (or maybe not-so-imagined) romances. If you don't see your chosen "Otp" (one true pairing) here, the glorious thing about shipping is that you can conjure your own ships elsewhere, be it your imagination, fanart, or fanfic.
- 2/9/2023
- by Caroline Cao
- Slash Film
Three decades ago, Christian Slater met Val Kilmer on the set of True Romance, the Quentin Tarantino-penned, Tony Scott-directed crime thriller. Slater played Clarence Worley, an Elvis Presley fanatic, while Kilmer portrayed the Mentor, an Elvis-like figment of Clarence’s imagination. Slater and Kilmer, who first made their names in the 1980s, would go on to work together another three times in the early 2000s, making their latest connection on Jonathan Kasdan’s Willow (2022) sequel series all the more fitting.
With Covid-19 restrictions preventing Kilmer from reprising his beloved rogue swordsman, Madmartigan, from Ron Howard’s 1988 film, Kasdan knew he needed another wildcard-type character that could bring a similar energy. So he created Allagash, a former knight and running mate of Madmartigan, and the first person he thought of for the role was Slater.
Slater, having loved the original film, immediately understood that he’d be filling the...
With Covid-19 restrictions preventing Kilmer from reprising his beloved rogue swordsman, Madmartigan, from Ron Howard’s 1988 film, Kasdan knew he needed another wildcard-type character that could bring a similar energy. So he created Allagash, a former knight and running mate of Madmartigan, and the first person he thought of for the role was Slater.
Slater, having loved the original film, immediately understood that he’d be filling the...
- 1/23/2023
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On the heels of the season finale of Lucasfilm’s all-new action-adventure series “Willow” based on George Lucas’ fantasy-adventure film, Disney+ has set a January 25, 2023 premiere date for the debut of its original documentary special, “Willow: Behind the Magic.” Featuring the series’ breakout stars and returning legends, the documentary takes viewers behind the scenes for an in-depth look at the making of the hit original series, which debuted on Disney+ November 30, 2022.
The story of “Willow” began when an aspiring sorcerer, played by Warwick Davis, is whisked away on a journey to protect an infant empress Elora Danan and vanquish the evil Queen Bavmorda from their world of Andowyne. Now, the story continues with Davis reprising his titular role as he leads an unlikely crew of heroes – which includes a now-grown Elora, who has just learned of her prodigious birthright – on a quest to protect Andowyne from an even larger foe than they had imagined possible.
The story of “Willow” began when an aspiring sorcerer, played by Warwick Davis, is whisked away on a journey to protect an infant empress Elora Danan and vanquish the evil Queen Bavmorda from their world of Andowyne. Now, the story continues with Davis reprising his titular role as he leads an unlikely crew of heroes – which includes a now-grown Elora, who has just learned of her prodigious birthright – on a quest to protect Andowyne from an even larger foe than they had imagined possible.
- 1/22/2023
- by TV Shows Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid - TV
Ron Howard isn’t all that surprised that a Willow sequel now exists in the form of a Disney+ series. After all, Willow mastermind George Lucas always believed that a TV series would be the optimal way to expand the world of Willow, and the idea has been kicked around ever since Lucas and Howard collaborated on the latter’s 1988 film.
In retrospect, Howard credits Lucas and Willow for teaching him how to helm effects-heavy films on a larger canvas. He also learned a great deal about narrative, especially when writer Joseph Campbell came to visit Lucas during the development of Willow. Campbell’s book The Hero with a Thousand Faces served as the foundation for all of Lucas’ mythological narratives.
“We wound up around George’s [Lucas] dinner table, telling [Joseph Campbell] the entire story of Willow, and so he told us the origins of the myths that we were borrowing from,...
In retrospect, Howard credits Lucas and Willow for teaching him how to helm effects-heavy films on a larger canvas. He also learned a great deal about narrative, especially when writer Joseph Campbell came to visit Lucas during the development of Willow. Campbell’s book The Hero with a Thousand Faces served as the foundation for all of Lucas’ mythological narratives.
“We wound up around George’s [Lucas] dinner table, telling [Joseph Campbell] the entire story of Willow, and so he told us the origins of the myths that we were borrowing from,...
- 1/21/2023
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There's no surefire way to determine what, if anything, a group of fans will choose to champion — but Lucasfilm's "Willow" is more than covered on that front. The new series feels like a pleasant surprise in so many ways, from its anachronistic humor to its endearing new host of characters. It can be difficult to bring fresh blood into a world with a previously-established host of players — more than that, to introduce diversity in an "organic" way — but "Willow" pulls it off brilliantly, to the point where a number of its new characters have already become major fan favorites.
Showrunner Jon Kasdan has been forthright about the reception towards the sequel series, and with two of its characters in particular: Elora Danan (Ellie Bamber) and Graydon Hastur (Tony Revolori). It's been a good couple of months for a certain pairing in fantasy media, that between a good-aligned character and...
Showrunner Jon Kasdan has been forthright about the reception towards the sequel series, and with two of its characters in particular: Elora Danan (Ellie Bamber) and Graydon Hastur (Tony Revolori). It's been a good couple of months for a certain pairing in fantasy media, that between a good-aligned character and...
- 1/20/2023
- by Lyvie Scott
- Slash Film
The new "Willow" series on Disney+ has more than a dash of the original film's weird humor. In fact, Jonathan Kasdan's sequel series carries some of the wackiness of the 1988 Ron Howard film in nearly every scene, balancing out true fantasy adventures with goofy anachronisms and hilarious moments that humble the show's cast of would-be heroes. In the original film, a good dose of that goofiness came from Val Kilmer, whose roguish character Madmartigan was framed as a guy who thinks he's hot stuff — and is! — but still manages to stumble into embarrassing scenarios and misadventures nonetheless.
Kilmer wasn't able to be on set for the new iteration of "Willow," at least not its first season, due to health concerns. But several characters throughout the season take up the himbo mantle of Madmartigan, embodying his playfulness and scalawag tendencies. Among them? Christian Slater's Allagash, a friend of Madmartigan's...
Kilmer wasn't able to be on set for the new iteration of "Willow," at least not its first season, due to health concerns. But several characters throughout the season take up the himbo mantle of Madmartigan, embodying his playfulness and scalawag tendencies. Among them? Christian Slater's Allagash, a friend of Madmartigan's...
- 1/20/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
“Willow” was one of the year’s biggest (and best) streaming surprises.
A sequel series to warmly remembered Ron Howard fantasy film from 1988 (also called “Willow”), this new iteration was developed by Jonathan Kasdan, who worked with Howard (and Lucasfilm) on 2018’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story” and is, to put it lightly, a “Willow” super-fan.
What made the show so much fun was that it didn’t rely on an encyclopedic knowledge of the film’s mythological underpinnings and never leaned too heavily on lore. Instead, all viewers needed to know (or remember) was that Willow (played once again by Warwick Davis) was a young sorcerer tasked with saving a baby from the forces of evil. Now Willow is an older sorcerer and the young baby has grown into an adult woman (played by English actress Ellie Bamber). Other characters might have a connection to characters from the movie,...
A sequel series to warmly remembered Ron Howard fantasy film from 1988 (also called “Willow”), this new iteration was developed by Jonathan Kasdan, who worked with Howard (and Lucasfilm) on 2018’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story” and is, to put it lightly, a “Willow” super-fan.
What made the show so much fun was that it didn’t rely on an encyclopedic knowledge of the film’s mythological underpinnings and never leaned too heavily on lore. Instead, all viewers needed to know (or remember) was that Willow (played once again by Warwick Davis) was a young sorcerer tasked with saving a baby from the forces of evil. Now Willow is an older sorcerer and the young baby has grown into an adult woman (played by English actress Ellie Bamber). Other characters might have a connection to characters from the movie,...
- 1/18/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
It's something of a miracle that a television series based on Ron Howard's '80s action fantasy "Willow" even exists at all. If it wasn't for the streaming wars between major studios where every piece of mineable intellectual property has become viable again, the continuation of Willow Ufgood's (Warwick Davis) story would probably never have had a second chapter. Now that the Disney+ series has finished its eight-episode run, fans can look back and decide for themselves whether the show was really necessary, or if the original adventure was enough.
Created and shepherded by showrunner Jon Kasdan ("Solo: A Star Wars Story"), the series picks up 20 years after the events of the original, seeing Willow and his team of misfits helping to protect Elora Danan, the child of prophecy who was only a baby in the first movie. Willow mentors Elora and begins to teach her the tenets of magic and wizardry.
Created and shepherded by showrunner Jon Kasdan ("Solo: A Star Wars Story"), the series picks up 20 years after the events of the original, seeing Willow and his team of misfits helping to protect Elora Danan, the child of prophecy who was only a baby in the first movie. Willow mentors Elora and begins to teach her the tenets of magic and wizardry.
- 1/17/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
In today's slightly-terrifying new era of Peak TV, it can be harder than ever for a fully realized project to see the light of day. Even without Hollywood's new habit of culling their most promising shows, there's still so much that can work against a new series — especially for Lucasfilm's latest, "Willow."
The legacy sequel was 20 years in the making, and a massive labor of love for its creator, Jon Kasdan. The "Solo: A Star Wars Story" alum worked tirelessly to revive the world that had enthralled him so much in his younger days. But even once the green light had been bestowed, there were no shortage of hurdles to overcome.
After seven weeks on the air — or whatever the streaming equivalent is — "Willow" has premiered to warm reviews and a seriously dedicated new fanbase. And Kasdan himself was involved at nearly every turn, interacting with the fans and his cast on social media,...
The legacy sequel was 20 years in the making, and a massive labor of love for its creator, Jon Kasdan. The "Solo: A Star Wars Story" alum worked tirelessly to revive the world that had enthralled him so much in his younger days. But even once the green light had been bestowed, there were no shortage of hurdles to overcome.
After seven weeks on the air — or whatever the streaming equivalent is — "Willow" has premiered to warm reviews and a seriously dedicated new fanbase. And Kasdan himself was involved at nearly every turn, interacting with the fans and his cast on social media,...
- 1/17/2023
- by Lyvie Scott
- Slash Film
"Willow" is as much about its titular hero (Warwick Davis) as it is about his unlikely companion, a suave swashbuckler by the name of Madmartigan (Val Kilmer). Kilmer's performance brought a contemporary edge to the high fantasy in the 1988 film, and it's a performance that Jon Kasdan hoped to feature in his legacy sequel, also called "Willow." Unfortunately, with Covid-19, an unforgiving shoot in Wales, and Kilmer's long battle with throat cancer to consider, the actor was unable to return for the series — at least, not physically.
Madmartigan's spirit is still all over nu-"Willow," thanks to some more anachronistic humor and a host of new characters that share his sensibilities. One of those characters is Allagash, played to perfection by Kilmer's contemporary Christian Slater.
Like Kasdan, Slater was already a mega-fan of "Willow" before he got the call to join the series. But joining "Willow" as Madmartigan's longtime...
Madmartigan's spirit is still all over nu-"Willow," thanks to some more anachronistic humor and a host of new characters that share his sensibilities. One of those characters is Allagash, played to perfection by Kilmer's contemporary Christian Slater.
Like Kasdan, Slater was already a mega-fan of "Willow" before he got the call to join the series. But joining "Willow" as Madmartigan's longtime...
- 1/16/2023
- by Lyvie Scott
- Slash Film
Willow premiered decades after the original and brought a new sense of adventure and fantasy to George Lucas’ fantasy epic. Creator Jon Kasdan and the cast talked to us before the season premiered, but at that time we had not seen the role Christian Slater was set to play in the sequel to the 1988 film. Now, as the series has fully debuted, we know about Slater’s character, Allagash, and his key connection to Val Kilmer’s character, Madmartigan. I got the chance to chat with Slater about his role in the series and how his connection to Lucasfilm and Star Wars led him to this performance.
Check out the full interview with Christian Slater below.
Hi, Christian
Christian Slater: Hey, man. Good to see you.
I’ve been a big fan of your work for a long time. I am infinitely quoting Gleaming The Cube any chance that I get.
Check out the full interview with Christian Slater below.
Hi, Christian
Christian Slater: Hey, man. Good to see you.
I’ve been a big fan of your work for a long time. I am infinitely quoting Gleaming The Cube any chance that I get.
- 1/16/2023
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
[The following story contains spoilers for Willow episode seven, “Beyond the Shattered Sea.”]
Willow star Ruby Cruz is proud to buck the conventions of what constitutes a Disney princess.
On Jonathan Kasdan‘s legacy sequel series, Cruz plays Princess Kit Tanthalos, the daughter of Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) and Sorsha (Joanne Whalley) from Ron Howard’s 1988 film, and early on in the series, she rejects her betrothal involving Galladoorn’s Prince Graydon (Tony Revolori). She can’t commit because she’s been in love with Erin Kellyman’s knight-to-be, Jade, for her entire life. As the series progresses, the two characters finally come to terms with their mutual feelings by declaring love for one another in the midst of a quest to rescue Kit’s brother, Airk (Dempsey Byrk).
For Cruz, one of the key takeaways from Kit’s arc is some much-needed humility as the world doesn’t revolve around her royalty.
“She finds [hope] in Elora...
Willow star Ruby Cruz is proud to buck the conventions of what constitutes a Disney princess.
On Jonathan Kasdan‘s legacy sequel series, Cruz plays Princess Kit Tanthalos, the daughter of Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) and Sorsha (Joanne Whalley) from Ron Howard’s 1988 film, and early on in the series, she rejects her betrothal involving Galladoorn’s Prince Graydon (Tony Revolori). She can’t commit because she’s been in love with Erin Kellyman’s knight-to-be, Jade, for her entire life. As the series progresses, the two characters finally come to terms with their mutual feelings by declaring love for one another in the midst of a quest to rescue Kit’s brother, Airk (Dempsey Byrk).
For Cruz, one of the key takeaways from Kit’s arc is some much-needed humility as the world doesn’t revolve around her royalty.
“She finds [hope] in Elora...
- 1/4/2023
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Wales has long been regarded as a place of myth and magic – its national emblem is the dragon, after all, and it has strong links with the legend of King Arthur. So, it is fitting that Lucasfilm should have chosen it as the location for the Disney+ fantasy series “Willow.” The production was based at Dragon Studios in Bridgend, South Wales, and filmed at 32 locations across the country.
The Celtic nation has provided the locations for many iconic movie scenes over the decades, including the Bat Cave in “The Dark Knight Rises,” The Slaughtered Lamb pub in “American Werewolf in London,” and the castle in the opening scene of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”
Wales also hosted part of the shoot for Ron Howard’s original 1988 “Willow” movie, based on a story by George Lucas, and starring Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley and Warwick Davis. The latter two actors reprise...
The Celtic nation has provided the locations for many iconic movie scenes over the decades, including the Bat Cave in “The Dark Knight Rises,” The Slaughtered Lamb pub in “American Werewolf in London,” and the castle in the opening scene of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”
Wales also hosted part of the shoot for Ron Howard’s original 1988 “Willow” movie, based on a story by George Lucas, and starring Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley and Warwick Davis. The latter two actors reprise...
- 1/2/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Los Angeles, California – November 29: (L-r) Jonathan Kasdan and Ron Howard attend Lucasfilm and Imagine Entertainment’s “Willow” Series Premiere in Los Angeles, California on November 29, 2022. The series debuts exclusively on Disney+ November 30, 2022. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney ) In 1988, Ron Howard helped bring George Lucas’s characters to life as director of the film Willow. Now, the Willow story is continuing as a TV series, and Howard is still part of it; this time, as a producer. When we spoke to Howard about his involvement in the show, he told us what has him most excited about bringing the story back, more than three decades later. (click on the media bar below to hear Ron Howard) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Ron_Howard_Exicted_Willow_.mp3 Willow is currently streaming on Disney+.
The post Ron Howard Excited By ‘Willow’s’ ‘Organic Evolution’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
The post Ron Howard Excited By ‘Willow’s’ ‘Organic Evolution’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 12/28/2022
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
2022 was another great year for television. With more streaming options than ever and productions opening back up after the stalls due to Covid, the programming volume is higher than ever. We could barely watch everything from event series to revivals, comedies, and dramas to genre offerings. With hundreds of shows to choose from and thousands of hours of programming, here is our list of the best tv shows of 2022.
Being the entertainment gluttons that we are, we put together a nice video of the Top 10 series of the year, while the full-text list of the 20 best is ranked below.
Honorable Mentions:
Slow Horses, The Old Man, Euphoria, Barry, Fleishman is in Trouble, The Recruit, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Kingdom Exodus, A Friend of the Family, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Wednesday, Blackbird, Tales of the Jedi, Kevin Can F**k Himself, What We Do In the Shadows, George and Tammy, Archer, Leopard Skin,...
Being the entertainment gluttons that we are, we put together a nice video of the Top 10 series of the year, while the full-text list of the 20 best is ranked below.
Honorable Mentions:
Slow Horses, The Old Man, Euphoria, Barry, Fleishman is in Trouble, The Recruit, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Kingdom Exodus, A Friend of the Family, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Wednesday, Blackbird, Tales of the Jedi, Kevin Can F**k Himself, What We Do In the Shadows, George and Tammy, Archer, Leopard Skin,...
- 12/27/2022
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
The Willow TV series on the Disney+ streaming service is now more than halfway through the eight episode run of its first season, and to mark the occasion the show’s official Twitter account has unveiled ten character posters! You can check them out at the bottom of this article.
A follow-up to the 1988 film of the same title (watch it Here), Willow has the following synopsis: An epic period fantasy series with a modern sensibility set in an enchanted land of breathtaking beauty, “Willow” features a diverse international cast with Jonathan Kasdan, Ron Howard, Wendy Mericle, Kathleen Kennedy, and Michelle Rejwan serving as executive producers. The story began with an aspiring magician from a Nelwyn village and an infant girl destined to unite the realms, who together helped destroy an evil queen and banish the forces of darkness. Now, in a magical world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls, and other mystical creatures flourish,...
A follow-up to the 1988 film of the same title (watch it Here), Willow has the following synopsis: An epic period fantasy series with a modern sensibility set in an enchanted land of breathtaking beauty, “Willow” features a diverse international cast with Jonathan Kasdan, Ron Howard, Wendy Mericle, Kathleen Kennedy, and Michelle Rejwan serving as executive producers. The story began with an aspiring magician from a Nelwyn village and an infant girl destined to unite the realms, who together helped destroy an evil queen and banish the forces of darkness. Now, in a magical world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls, and other mystical creatures flourish,...
- 12/27/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
This post contains spoilers for the third episode of "Willow."
The Disney+ series "Willow" is a thing of many zany wonders. It imagines a world full of were-rats, truth plums, and prophesied heroes, but even its most imaginative elements pale in comparison to a galaxy-brained cameo in the show's third episode. Other fantasy shows may have witches and sorcerers, but do any of them have Hannah Waddingham playing a denim-clad forest lesbian named Hubert? Exactly.
Waddingham appears in "The Battle of the Slaughtered Lamb" alongside Caoimhe Farren, who plays Hubert's other half, Anne. The pair encounter a disheartened and unsure Elora Danan (Ellie Bamber), who they first think is a random girl named after the hero before realizing she is, in fact, the long-lost child who is meant to change the world. That description really undersells the scene's delightful weirdness, though. Waddingham's character is a quirky woodswoman with an axe...
The Disney+ series "Willow" is a thing of many zany wonders. It imagines a world full of were-rats, truth plums, and prophesied heroes, but even its most imaginative elements pale in comparison to a galaxy-brained cameo in the show's third episode. Other fantasy shows may have witches and sorcerers, but do any of them have Hannah Waddingham playing a denim-clad forest lesbian named Hubert? Exactly.
Waddingham appears in "The Battle of the Slaughtered Lamb" alongside Caoimhe Farren, who plays Hubert's other half, Anne. The pair encounter a disheartened and unsure Elora Danan (Ellie Bamber), who they first think is a random girl named after the hero before realizing she is, in fact, the long-lost child who is meant to change the world. That description really undersells the scene's delightful weirdness, though. Waddingham's character is a quirky woodswoman with an axe...
- 12/22/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
This post contains spoilers for the first episode of Willow.
No Tolkien-esque fantasy epic is complete without a ragtag group of heroes boasting a menagerie of personalities, and the "Willow" series is no exception. A sequel set 20 years after the 1988 film of the same name, the show's leads include Warwick Davis's titular Nelwyn sorcerer (who's a bit gruffer but otherwise the same plucky hero we met in the original movie), Ruby Cruz's Princess Kit (a capable warrior but one who could stand to check her privilege), and Erin Kellyman as Kit's friend/love interest, the ever patient knight-in-training Jade. Among those joining them on their quest to save the kingdom of Tir Asleen are Tony Revolori's scholarly if inexperienced Prince Graydon and Ellie Bamber as "Dove," a wide-eyed kitchen maid who learns she's really Elora Danan, the future Empress of Tir Asleen and, in essence, the show's Chosen One.
No Tolkien-esque fantasy epic is complete without a ragtag group of heroes boasting a menagerie of personalities, and the "Willow" series is no exception. A sequel set 20 years after the 1988 film of the same name, the show's leads include Warwick Davis's titular Nelwyn sorcerer (who's a bit gruffer but otherwise the same plucky hero we met in the original movie), Ruby Cruz's Princess Kit (a capable warrior but one who could stand to check her privilege), and Erin Kellyman as Kit's friend/love interest, the ever patient knight-in-training Jade. Among those joining them on their quest to save the kingdom of Tir Asleen are Tony Revolori's scholarly if inexperienced Prince Graydon and Ellie Bamber as "Dove," a wide-eyed kitchen maid who learns she's really Elora Danan, the future Empress of Tir Asleen and, in essence, the show's Chosen One.
- 12/22/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
"Willow" is one of the latest episodic adventures to release on Disney+ and it follows a band of heroes as they embark upon an epic quest to rescue a princely dude in distress. There's, uh, not really a male equivalent to that particular traditional phrase, so "dude in distress" is just going to have to be enough until we make something better. Sorry. The series serves to continue the tale which began in the 1988 film, "Willow." Yes, the original film and the Disney+ series share their name, so while it makes differentiation a bit difficult, at least the story has solid branding.
A notable feature of the Disney+ series is that it takes place several years after the original story. 20 years, in fact. According to Jonathan Kasdan, the showrunner for the latest addition to George Lucas' fantasy, that time jump stemmed from narrative demand. More specifically, it stemmed from the...
A notable feature of the Disney+ series is that it takes place several years after the original story. 20 years, in fact. According to Jonathan Kasdan, the showrunner for the latest addition to George Lucas' fantasy, that time jump stemmed from narrative demand. More specifically, it stemmed from the...
- 12/21/2022
- by Cameron Roy Hall
- Slash Film
Ron Howard's 1988 fantasy adventure "Willow," starring Warwick Davis as the titular character and Val Kilmer as the medieval swashbuckler Madmartigan, won the hearts and minds of kids and young adults who wanted a little more magic in their movies. The story about a sorcerer's apprentice who embarks on a quest to find a home for a noble Daikini baby is instantly relatable, mainly due to Davis's genuine performance and the feeling of overcoming evil against all odds. "Willow" is a tale of triumph, but it's also a frightening tale filled with dark armies, evil queens, hungry bridge trolls, and two-headed fire-breathing dragons. The world of "Willow" is a dangerous one, and young Willow Ufgood must overcome his amateur mistakes (of which there are many) to become the competent, brave wizard he was always meant to be.
It's widely recognized today that kids movies used to be a whole lot scarier and,...
It's widely recognized today that kids movies used to be a whole lot scarier and,...
- 12/21/2022
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.